Hawks investigating missing firearms

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed dismay at reports that 33 firearms have disappeared from two police stations – the Bellville South and Mitchell’s Plain police stations in Cape Town.

Police said towards the end of August, it was discovered that 18 firearms, which were handed in as exhibits, could not be accounted for at Bellville South Police Station. It was also picked up that 15 State-issued firearms were missing.

Minister Mbalula has called on the Hawks to speedily investigate the matter.

“In the main it is these guns that end up in the hands of gangsters, who daily torment our people, and destroy the lives of many young people,” Minister Mbalula said on Monday.

He reiterated his previous call that those responsible must face the full might of the law.

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The Minister said police stations are supposed to be safe havens for all.

“When firearms in the hands of police go missing, there must be dire consequences. The people of South Africa, particular in Cape Town are already plagued by ugly scenes of gang violence and other serious crimes where innocent people including children get killed on a regular basis. What cannot be tolerated is violence sponsored from within the police ranks,” Minister Mbalula added.